Rocket fired at around 8:20 am by Palestinians in north Gaza lands in open area outside western Negev city; new UN Middle East envoy to hold talks with senior Israeli, Palestinian officials in bid to end violence

Amnon Meranda|Published: 23.05.07 , 09:01

A Qassam rocket fired by Palestinians in north Gaza landed in an open area near the western Negev city of Sderot. No injuries or damage were reported.

The rocket was launched at around 8:20 am as many Sderot residents were attending Shavuot prayer services at local synagogues. The “Color Red” siren warned residents of the incoming rocket, and a loud explosion was heard throughout the city shortly thereafter.

The IDF responded to Tuesday’s rocket attacks with two aerial strikes on
Hamas weapon sheds in Gaza City and the north Gaza neighborhood of Jabaliya.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Tuesday with the Egyptian security delegation in Gaza. The parties discussed ways in which an understanding could be reached with Israel to end its attacks on the Strip.

Abbas is expected to appeal to the Palestinian factions and ask them to honor the security plan set by the Palestinian Authority government as a precondition for discussing a complete ceasefire with Israel, which would include the West Bank as well as the Strip.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has assigned new Middle East envoy Michael Williams to the region for talks.